Visible data system



Dec. 31, 1940. s. T. LEAMiNG VISIBLE DATA SYSTEM 3 Sheets-$heet 1 Filed Dec. 22, 1938 AT NEYS.

Dec. 31, 1940. s. r. LEAMING VISIBLE DATA SYSTEM Filed Dec. 22, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

0 BY y ATT NEYS.

35%.? Tans a4 Dec. 31, 1940.

s. T. LEAMING VISIBLE DATA SYSTEM Filed Dec. 22, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 IN V EN TOR.

Patented Dec. 31. 19461 VISIBLE DATA SYSTEM Silas T. Learning, Richmond, Va, assignor of onethird to Albert E. Call, Washington, iii. (D.

Application December 22, 1938, Serial No. 2di,293

14 Claims.

This invention relates to a visible data system and more particularly to a holder which may be in the form of a folder, portfolio, sheet or panel, into which cards, folded sheets or en velopes or the like are adapted to be inserted in such manner that said holder may be utilized with the inserts therein or thereon arranged in orderly manner and carried about the person.

One object of the invention is to provide a holder of the class described which is provided with a plurality of slots so constructed and arranged as to permit the ready insertion and removal of the cards, folders, envelopes or other inserts and permit the same to be held firmly in place against casual displacement or removal and at the same time permitting each insert to be observed and readily identified.

A further object of the invention resides in providing such a holder with slots so arranged and constructed as to provide substantially a back-bone or central supporting portion for the holder and its inserts while at the same time permitting the inserts to be arranged in overlapping relation one to the other.

Still another object resides in so constructing the slots in the holder as to limit movement of the inserts in one direction, at the same time permitting said inserts to remain in overlapping relation one to the other, with portions exposed on each insert to enable observation and ready identification.

A still further object resides in the provision of a device of this character wherein the holder is formed of relatively stiff sheet material with divergent slots or slits formed therein, the innor ends of the slots or slits terminating short of convergency to form a central reinforcing strip or back-bone portion for the holder.

A still further object resides in so constructing the outer divergent ends of the slots or slits in the holder as to permit inserts,'such as cards, folders, envelopes or the like to be readily and easily introduced into said slots or slits, and a still further object resides in the formation of cars or the like at the divergent ends of said slots or slits for guiding corner portions of inserts into said slots or slits.

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of a device capable of being formed into a portfolio or folder, so formed that it is capable of being carried in the pocket and also capable of being opened and placed fiat upon a desk or table for insertion or removal of the inserts, and a still further object resides in the provision of a device which when formed into a folder or portfolio is capable of having leaf portions or auxiliary sections applied to the main sections so that an increased number of inserts may be handled therein or thereon, the main (Cl. ice-ac) sections being so constructed as to permit expansion.

Another object resides in the provision of a device of the character mentioned which is capable of being formed from a single blank of material.

A still further object resides in providing a device which is comparatively simple and very durable in constructiom'inexpensive to manuw facture and one which will be very eflicient in use and capable of adaptation to use in various lines of industry.

With these and numerous other objects in view, my invention consists in the novel features 15 of construction, combination and arrangement of parts as will be hereinafter referred to and more particularly pointed out in the specification and claims.

The invention is illustrated in the accompany- 2Q ing drawingswherein:

Figure 1 is a view showing the portfolio of the visible data system opened and partially filled with inserts.

Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view taken 5 along the line 22 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an enlarged view illustrating the manner in which the sheet material is sewed to form a hinge connecting the two sections of the portfolio.

Figure 4 is a view looking at one of the inserts consisting of a folded sheet of paper.

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a transverse sectional view taken 35 along the line 3-6 of Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 'l-l of Figure 1 and looking toward the hinged portion of the portfolio.

Figure 8 is a longitudinal sectional view taken 40 along the line 8-8 of Figure 1.

Figure 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of Figure 1.

Figure 10 is a transverse sectional view showing the portfolio in its folded condition. 5

Figure 11 is a perspective. view of a modified form of portfolio wherein auxiliary leaves or carriers for inserts are provided.

Figure 12 is a sectional view taken transversely through the portfolio of Figure 1.

Figure 13 is a fragmentary sectional view taken longitudinally through one of the auxiliary carriers or leaves along the line l3l3 of Figure 11.

Figure 14 is a view of an insert or sheet to be folded along the lines extending at right angles to each other.

Figure 15 is a view showing the sheet of Figure 14 folded.

Figure 16 is a view of a modified application of the inserts to the carriers, and

Figure 17 is a perspective view of a modified form of an index card.

I have found that collectors, solicitors and others who have occasion to refer to daily, weekly or monthly records in the conduct of business, find considerable difficulty in keeping these records or data in position for ready access and visibility. Where cards are used, considerable time and labor is expended in reviewing a number thereof in order to locate a particular card bearing data relating to a particular party or transaction. This is particularly true with collectors and solicitors or other outside men who do not have the facilities or ofiice equipment at hand. I have'discovered a method and means for overcoming these difficulties and whereas the same may be used to great advantage by those who carry their records on their person, such as collectors and solicitors or the like operating on the outside, it will be understood that my improved device and system is equally well capable of efficient use and adaptation in an office where ready access and visible record system is desired.

My improved visible data or record system is not limited to any particular use or industry but is highly recommended for and capable of efficient use by salesmen, collectors, executives, clergyman, dentists, doctors, engineers, investigators, lawyers, public speakers, writers, housewives, students, tourists and all who use or prepare data and desire to make use thereof from time to time. The uses to which the device and system may be applied are too numerous to list, but some uses suggested are for customer or prospect lists arranged visibly in alphabetical order, or according to hour or day of appointment or according to street address; taking of notes outside, in ofiice, shop or plant or while touring; reminder notes; speakers notes, visibly arranged and available at a glance or re-arrangeable at will without re-writing; shopping or professional appointments, telephone lists, etc.

My improved visible data or record system consists primarily of a holder or portfolio, which may be referred to as a carrier and a plurality of inserts, such as cards, envelopes, sheets, folded or flat, adapted to be applied to slots or slits in the carrier for ready visibility and ready removal but at the same time held in place in said carrier against casual displacement.

As shown in the drawings, this holder, carrier, folder or portfolio or whatever other term it is desired to use as descriptive thereof, includes a pair of cover sections l and 2 which may be formed from a single sheet of stiff or fairly rigid material, such as paper, cardboard or the like, although the particular material of which this device is formed may be changed as is found suitable or most desirable for the purpose to which it is put and according to the price to be charged for the device. The intermediate portion of the blank from which the sections l and 2 are formed is crimped to provide an inverted fold or flap which for convenience I term a hinged member 3, through which a stitching (i is passed. This stitching may be thread, staples, wire or other material, as I do not wish to be limited in this respect and this stitching is applied to the flap or inverted fold 3 at a point or along a line which will permit of expansion as and when desired. It is also obvious and apparent that instead of forming the two sections aaaepra l and 2 of a single blank of material, same may be formed from separate sheets of material, the inner opposed side edges of which may be bent and stitched or otherwise secured together to form this hinged portion.

As shown, the sections 8 and 2 are formed 01 a blank folded so as to provide an inner ply or facing sheet 5, but it is understood, of course that if desired the outer faces of the section: l and 2 may be formed of one material, such as leather or other material to impart a good appearance to the outside of the folder or portfolio and the facing sheets 5 may be formed of a cheaper material, such as stiff paper, cardboard or the like and the outer edges secured together. As shown, the upper and lower edges of the facing sheets 5 are secured to upper and lower edge portions or flaps 6 which are folded inwardly upon the facing sheets and secured to the latter by an adhesive, although other means may be provided for securing these flaps to said facing sheets, if desired.

The inserts which are adapted to be used for containing data carried on or in the holder or carrier are represented by the numeral 7. These inserts may be cards, of any size desired, sheets or folders. A most convenient and desirable form of insert is that illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, which is a folded sheet of rectangular outline. Thus, such a form of insert will enable considerable data to be applied thereto.

In order that the facing sheet 5, which essentially constitutes the insert-carrying element, may be constructed to support the inserts, each of said facing sheets, assuming that the device is in the form of a portfolio or the like as shown in Figure 1, is provided with a multiplicity of diagonally arranged slits B. These slits are ar ranged in pairs extending from a point adjacent each side of the central median line of the sheet outwardly and upwardly to form substantially a plurality of V-shaped slits. In other words, the

slits in pairs diverge upwardly and outwardly but terminate at their inner ends short of convergency. This termination of the slits or slots 8 short of convergency, that is, on each side of a central longitudinal median line, provides a central reinforcing or backbone portion which, for convenience, I have designated B as shown in Figure 1 of the drawings. Thus we find the slits are arranged in columns which may be referred to, respectively, left hand column 9 and right hand column Ill.

Each of the slits 8 at its outer divergent end is curved outwardly and downwardly and is widened into a slot H at such point. This constitutes, a mouth or entrance to the slit and the curving of this portion, as aforesaid, provides substantially guiding tongues or ears l2 for the slits, under which the corner portions of the inserts 1 may be engaged when initially inserting or introducing these inserts into the slits. Thus, the introduction of the inserts into the slits is facilitated by these ears and the enlargements of the slits and as the inserts are moved downwardly through the converging slits, the same will be guided into place quite readily. The termination of the downwardly and inwardly converging slits short of convergency provides a stop or limiting means for the movement of areas-:0 3

permitting certain identification data which may be applied to each insert to be readily observed, as also clearly shown in Figure 1. Each insert may be quickly and readily identified and removed when desired, and in view of the guiding ears l2 and the widened portions ll of each slit at the outer end thereof, it will be seen that the corners of the inserts may be quickly and readily introduced into the slots without being deterred and the movement of each insert into place accomplished with dispatch.

As stated above, the inserts i may consist of cards, folders, envelopes or the like and as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the insert is in the form of a folded sheet of paper, of rectangular contour. The dimensions are such that the insert may be readily en aged in companion pairs of slits 8. These inserts, of course, may be of any desired dimension, according to the size of the folder or carrier or according to the slits and their arrangement and/or length on the sheet containing the same. It may be possible to vary the depth of the slots so that varied sizes of imserts may be used, although this would ordinarily not be desirable, as under usual conditions the inserts of a folder would all be of the same dimensions. According to the use to which the device may be put, there may be some variation in the spaces between the slits. Whereas the spacing in the drawings is slight, so that a large'number of inserts may be utilized and arranged in overlapping relation, it will be understood that the number of slits may be reduced and the spacing therebetween increased in distance as may be necessary or. desirable. For instance, where envelopes are used as inserts for containing material such as stamps or the like, or where folded sheets are used between the leaves of which material is inserted creating a certain amount 9 bulk or thickness, it is desirable and advantageous to have the spacing between the slits greater than that illustrated. Likewise, under such conditions it will be desirable, if not absolutely necessary, to increase the size of the slits to accommodate the thickness of the inserts.

It will also be seen that certain of the slits, such as the upper or lower ones, may be utilized for retaining blank inserts, that is, a source of supply or storage for blank inserts. This may be desirable for balancing the thickness of the holder when the intermediate slits ar engaged with more or less thick inserts or inserts that contain material creating thickness.

It will be seen that when the inserts are applied, if the device is used as a telephone direce tory or address holder, the names of the persons written or printed along the upper marginal portions of these inserts will be displayed one above the other so as to be readily observedsand any desired insert may be quickly and easily located and removed. Any insert, grasped at its upper end portion and drawn upwardly, will be readily removed. The insert may then be quickly replaced in its proper position by engaging the corners thereof under the ears H2 at the ends of the slits and a downward pressure or movement exerted thereon until the lower edge of the insert contacts the lower ends of the slits into which the card or insert is placed. Of course, the insert,.if in the form of a folding sheet, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, may be applied so that the folded edge faces downwardly, or the reverse. If used with the folded edge facing downwardly, a smooth and rounded lower edge will be provided which will permit ready application to the slits and, furthermore, when removed and flat tened out, will enable a large number of entriesor other data to be made thereon.

Instead of using a sheet of paper as an insert which is folded once, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the insert may consist of a sheet la which, as illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, is adapted to be folded along the dotted lines it extending in crossed relation to each other. Thus, the sheet is twice folded, enabling a large sheet of paper for a large amount of data, to be utilized but which when folded will be reduced to the same dimension as the insert shown in Figures 4 and 5.

When the slits oi the device are fully filled or occupied by inserts, obviously a certain amount of thickness will be created, particularly when envelopes or folded sheets are used and material inserted therein. This thickness or bulk of the portfolio is compensated for by the expansibility of the hinged portion. As stated previously, the stitching or securing means 4 is placed at a point adjacent the fold of the hinged member 3, which obviously permits expansion and, furthermore, the inner opposed ends of the sections i and 3 joining with this hinged portion 8 are increased for purposes of expansion when necessary by means of longitudinal creasing or scoring it, as clearly shown in Figure 2 of the drawings.

In Figures 11, i2 and 13, there has been shown a portfolio of a modified construction. In this embodiment of the invention, the portfolio has the companion'sections i5 and i6 corresponding to the sections 8 and 2 and hin'gedly connected by a hinge flap ll corresponding to the hinge flap 3. Each of the sections it and it carries a facing sheet i8 corresponding to the facing sheet 5 and secured along their upper and" lower edges by flaps l9 corresponding to the flaps 5. Slits 20 corresponding to the columns of slits 8 are formed in the facing sheet it to receive the inserts 2i which may be cards, envelopes or folded sheets. In addition to the main sections I5 and it, this form of portfolio is also provided with auxiliary sections or carriers 22 which are formed of sheet material such as stiff paper or the like. Each of the auxiliary carriers or sections is preferably formed from a single sheet of material folded to provide opposed walls 23 and M which are integrally united along their outer side edges as shown at 25 in Figure 12. Upper and lower edges of these walls 23 are secured by flaps or folded strips 26 corresponding to the flaps itand the inner side edge portions ofthe walls 25 and 24 'are left free so that the auxiliary sections will be provided with open pockets the same as the main sections l5 and it. The inner side portions of the wall 2d project laterally from the inner side edges of the wall it and those extended inner side portions or flaps it are tucked into the open sides of the pockets of the main section and glued or otherwise firmly secured against the inner surfaces of the facing sheet it of the main section. Therefore, these flaps or extensions will constitute hinge portions mounting the auxiliary sections for swinging movement towards and away from the main section so that access may be had to both sides of the auxiliary sections. In view of the fact that cards or equivalent inserts are to be engaged in the slits 28, formed in the two walls 23 and 2d of each auxiliary section, the cards or to,

other inserts passing inwardly through the slits of one wall might catch against the inwardly extending portions of cards engaged in the slits of the other wall of the auxiliary carrier or section. In order to prevent this from occurring, each of the auxiliary sections has placed therein a partition 29 consisting of a sheet of still" paper of such dimensions that it fits snugly into the pockets of .the auxiliary section or carrier. Therefore, the

ther modification wherein the two sections 3| and i 32 which correspond to the sections l and 2 have their facing sheets provided along their inner side edges with flaps 33 which are folded outwardly back upon the facing sheets. When this form of portfolio is used, the inserts which consist of folded sheets or envelopes 34 instead of being applied with their free edges uppermost and their folded and inter-connected edges downward, will be so applied that the inner portion of the folded sheet or the flap of an envelope will extend inwardly through the slits of the facing sheets and the outer portions of the inserts extend downwardly with each overlying the insert below it but exposing the lower marginal edge portion thereof so that names or the like written upon the exposed lower marginal portions of the inserts may be seen. When the inserts are applied in this manner, they may be tilted upwardly and data upon inserts which will be thus exposed read without removing the inserts from the slits formed in the facing sheets of the two sections. In view of the fact that the flaps will overlie the inner side portions of the facing sheets and also overlie the outer portions of the inserts, they will serve very effectively to hold the inserts in close contacting engagement with each other and eliminate danger of the inserts accidentally working loose and becoming lost.

While I have shown my improved device and system as applicable to and forming a part of a folder or portfolio, it will be understood that insofar as the retaining means or carrying means for inserts or data is concerned, a single sheet or blank of material may be utilized, such as the blank or facing sheet 5, without a backing or folder, as such a sheet with the slits therein as shown is capable of retaining the inserts therein or thereon and in permanent position for use as and when desired. Likewise, such a blank or sheet may be of any width or length as may be found necessary or desirable and a plurality or rows of slits may be provided, it being understood that there are, within the scope of this invention, the possibilities of duplication, modification and/or variation. In fact, if desired, the device may be made of a single blank or sheet of material, of the same or smaller, or larger dimensions than the entire portfolio shown in the drawings, with any number of series of slits for retaining inserts, which blank may be foldable, such as is true with the portfolio, for use in the pocket, or it may be left in outspread or open position and placed on the desk or suspended from a wall or other structure, the invention residing primarily in the means for visibly supporting v and. retaining the inserts which are adapted to contain data or material.

From the foregoing description of the construction of my device, the operation thereof and the method of applying the same to use';*-will be readily understood. It will be seen that I have provided a device that is capable of use in various and numerous fields for various and numerous purposes and whereas I may have mentioned hereabove certain uses to which the device may be put, it will be understood that I do not limit myself to such'specific uses, as I desire the invention to be made useful wherever data or records or memoranda is made or kept. Furthermore, I do not wish to be limited to the particular manner in which my invention is shown in the drawings as presented for use, as it appears obvious that it is capable of various adaptations as may be found necessary and desirable.

It will be seen that I have provided a simple, inexpensive and eflicient means for carrying out the objects of the invention, and while I have particularly described the elements and the means best adapted to perform the functions set forth, it is apparent that various changes in form, pro- .portion and in the minor details of construction may be resorted to, without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the principles of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In a device of the character described, a supporting sheet having a plurality of pairs of upwardly divergent slits therein, said slits being enlarged at their outer ends to form entrance openings, the inner ends of said pairs of slits terminating short of convergency and insert members adapted to be introduced into the pairs of slits through the entrance openings therein, the depth of the inserts being such that when they are fitted into the slits the upper end of each insert terminates below outer ends of the slits immediately'above the slits into which the insert fits.

2. In a device of the character described, a supporting sheet having a plurality of pairs of upwardly divergent slits therein, said slits being arranged in columns spaced from each other transversely of the sheet, the inner ends of said pairs of slits terminating short of convergency, and insert members adapted to be introduced into the pairs of slits at the entrance openings therein, the innermost ends of said slits forming stop portions for said inserts and the portion of the sheet between the columns of slits forming a support or reenforcement therefor, and said inserts being of such depth that when engaged in the slits each has its upper portion projecting upwardly from upper ends of the slits in which it fits and terminating short of upper ends of the slits immediately above the slits in which it fits and providing exposed upper entrance ends for the slits.

3. In a device of the character described, a supporting sheet having a plurality of pairs of upwardly divergent slits therein, the outer ends of said slits being enlarged to form entrance openings and arcuately formed to provide guiding ears at said entrance openings, the inner ends of said pairs of slits terminating short of of said pairs of slits terminating short of convergency, and insert members adapted to be introduced into the pairs of slits at the entrance openings of the latter, the inner ends of said slits constituting stops for the inward movement of the insert members in said slits and the portion of the sheet intermediate said inner ends of the slits constituting a central reenforcing strip for said insert members.

5. In a device of the character described, a supporting sheet having a plurality of pairs of upwardly divergent slits therein, said slits terminating at their outer ends in arcuate portions, and the inner ends of said slits terminating short of conve gency, said sheet being also out along lines adjacent the arcuate ends of said slits to provide enlarged entrance openings for the latter, insert members adapted to be introduced to said slits through said entrance openings, and means formed in the sheet at said entrance openings constituting guides for the insert members.

6. In a device of the character described, a supporting sheet having a plurality of pairs of upwardly divergent slits therein, the outer ends of said slits being arched outwardly, said sheet adjacent the arched ends of said slits being also cut on a compound curve to provide entrance openings to said slits with guide ears, and insert members adapted to be introduced to the pairs of slits through the entrance openings thereof, the inner ends of said slits terminating short of convergency.

7. In a device of the character described, a supporting sheet having a plurality of pairs of upwardly divergent slits therein, said slits at their outer ends being arched outwardly, said sheet being also cut on a line compoundly curved ad- Jacent said arched ends to provide enlarged entrance openings for said slits and forming guide ears for the latter openings, the inner ends of said slits terminating short of convergency, and insert members adapted to be introduced to said slits through the entrance openings thereof.

8. In a visible data system, a carrier comprising companion sections mounted for swinging movement from a folded to an open position, each section having a wall formed with pairs of diagonal slits diverging outwardly toward their upper ends, the inner lower ends of said slits terminating short of convergency, and insert members removably engaged with the pairs of slits and arranged therein so that an upper marginal portion of each insert is exposed to view and upper ends of the slits exposed above upper edges of the inserts.

9. A visible data system comprising a portfolio having sections each including a sheet formed with columns of slits diverging outwardly and upwardly, the lower inner ends of said slits terminating short of convergency to provide a central supporting space between the' columns. and insert members adapted to be removably engaged in the slits of both columns through upper ends thereof, the upper marginal portions of the respective inserts being exposed to view and terminating in downward spaced relation to the upper ends of the slits immediately above the slits in which each insert flts.

10. In a visible data system, a carrier comprising a foldable main section, a facing sheet carried by said section formed with a plurality of pairs of upwardly divergent slits spaced one above another, the inner lower ends of the pairs of slits being spaced to provide a central unbroken supporting portion, the outer ends of said slits being enlarged to provide entrance openings, and insert sheets adapted for introduction to said slits through the entrance openings and for resting upon the central supporting portion with upper end portions of each insert sheet protruding from upper ends of the slits in which it is mounted and terminating below upper ends of the entrance openings of the slits immediately above the slits in which it is mounted.

11. In a visible data system, a carrier comprising a main section, a facing sheet carried by said section formed with a plurality of pairs of upwardly divergent slits, the inner ends of the pairs of slits ,being spaced to provide a central unbroken supporting portion, the outer ends of said slits being enlarged to provide entrance openings and formed with guide ears, and insert members adapted for introduction to said slits through the entrance openings.

12. A visible data system comprising a carrier consisting of a portfolio having foldable sections, each section having a sheet formed with columns of slits spaced from each other transversely of the sheet with theslits of one column extending in upward diverging relation to the slits of the companion column, and insert members removably fitted into a slit of each column and disposed in fiat overlapping engagement with each other with an upper end portion of each insert exposed to view and terminating downwardly from upper ends of slits immediately above the slits in which the insert member is mounted.

13. A visible data system comprising a carrier having foldable main sections and each section having an inner facing sheet formed with columns of companion slits, sheet-like inserts removably engaged in companion slits of the facing sheets, auxiliary sections between the main sections, each auxiliary section having companion walls defining a pocket open along its inner side, one wall being extended beyond the open side of the pocket and secured to the facin sheet of a main section, the walls of the auxiliary sections being also formed with columns of companion slits, additional sheet-like inserts enin companion slits to removably mount said inserts with outer portions thereof disposed in overlapping relation to each other between upper and lower ends of the facing sheets and with the marginal portion of each insert exposed, and a flap extending from the inner side edge portion of each facing sheet and folded back upon said facing sheet to overlap the outer portions of the inserts and hold the same flat in place against each other.

A SILAS 'I'. LEAMING. 

